Google Slides vs Canva: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Google Slides and Canva comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Google Slides
Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online, for free.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need presentation design features specifically
- • Free online presentation software.
- • Real-time collaboration and sharing.
Canva
Design platform for everyone
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Easy-to-use graphic design platform for everyone
- • Massive template library for any design need
| At a Glance |  Google Slides |  Canva |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Presentation Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | 85/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Google Slides | Canva |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Presentation DesignWhiteboard | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
How Google Slides and Canva Compare
Google Slides
Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online, for free.
Free · 85/100 score
Canva
Design platform for everyone
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Google Slides is a presentation design tool. Canva is in graphic design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Google Slides is free. Canva is freemium.
Go with: Google Slides
Want the highest-rated option?
Google Slides: 85/100. Canva: 87/100.
Go with: Canva
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Canva
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Google Slides is free. Canva is freemium. Go with Google Slides if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Google Slides is a presentation design tool. Canva is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Canva scores higher: 87/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Canva
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Google Slides
- Completely free
- Better fit for presentation design
The Bottom Line
Canva (87/100) is our pick. That said, Google Slides is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Slides or Canva better?
Canva scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Google Slides is free and Canva is freemium.
What are Google Slides and Canva used for?
Google Slides: Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online, for free.. Canva: Design platform for everyone.
What does Google Slides cost vs Canva?
Google Slides is completely free. Canva is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.